FIFA general secretary Jerome Valcke on Saturday confirmed the 2022 World Cup in Qatar could be moved to the winter if research shows holding the tournament in the region's intense summer heat would be dangerous for players.

Since being awarded the right to host the event, Qatar's tournament organizers have had to deal with a barrage of questions about the suitability of staging the World Cup in searing June and July temperatures, which can reach up to 50 C.

FIFA, the game's world governing body, had previously suggested Qatar would have to make the request to move the tournament.